Rockhead

Just bought my fourth Cherokee and I'm new to CF. I have a question about adding two inches of lift to the Up-Country group. Because I'm not 100% comfortable with the condition of the rear leaf springs, I would like to add a full length AAL. So, I'll need a two inch lift, full length AAL. On the front I would like to replace the coils with new ones. Since it already has one inch of lift and I would like to add two inches, I will need new coils with three inches of lift. Is this correct? Also, with three inches of lift will I need longer shocks, need to lower the transfer case, sway bar drop, lower suspension arm adjustment, or track bar adjustment? This is a great forum, very active, and I look forward to participating in it.

ericfx1984

you will need to add a 3" lift...

I would lift the front with some new coils and build a bastard pack for the rear

jcwclm

What are your plans for it? Any wheeling?

Hoooper

If you aren't comfortable with your leafs, due to condition, then definitely don't go aal

Kelso

+1
Why put on new coils and keep your old leafs, coils generally out last leaf springs under normal use. I would either go with a 2" spacer on top of the country coils and make a bastard pack rear, or just go new 3" springs all around. rustys, rough country or iron rock offroad are great options for the price

Rockhead

Thanks for the replies. I would like to do some wheeling, trail ride not rock crawling. I do RC rock crawling. There are a few people in my area on this forum that seem interested in wheeling. The front coil swap seems straight forward. My only concern with the rear springs is age. There is no sag, ride height is still as manufactured. If I put an AAL in, I would want it to be full length for maximum support. Back to my original question. Am I right in thinking that a three inch coil and a two inch lift AAL would set my Cherokee level? How about my other concerns too? Thanks to anyone who puts time into answering my questions.

Rockhead

Thanks Kelso, I'll think about that. $$$

freegdr

yes this would level it they seem to sit one inch lower factory,you will like the ride better doing full leafs tho aal are stiffer riding

93gc40

Shocks yes, sway bar no, transfercase maybe, control arms no, unless bushings bad, trackbar no unless bushings or TRE are bad, alignment yes, replacement of any other worn suspension and steering yes

Rockhead

93gc40, thanks for the information. I've decided to go with the RC 3 inch lift, but I still have a question about shocks. My stock Chrysler up country off road shocks seem newish (I bought this Cherokee six weeks ago). Is there no way to reuse these shocks with a 3 inch lift? I'm wheeling at the Big Dogs Offroad Ice Breaker over the last weekend of this month. My first time out, should be loads of fun. Thanks for any help.

InvaderTrax

You can reuse the stock shocks, but it will limit your down travel

jeepxj19

If your buying a complete kit then it will come with the proper shocks u need, there are some options out there such as wat detours offroad offers that allows u to use shorter shocks for bigger lifts. When installing a 3" lift the only thing u will have to change is, coils, leafs and shocks. Everything else can stay stock. A adj. Trac bar, newer lca's, swaybar links are all options. it would also be a good idea to extend the rear brake line u can use a jeep tj line its a bit longer and is about 15$ at local part stores. Replacing ur stock swaybar links with quick disco's is also a good idea if u plan on offroading. A tcase drop may or may not be needed with a 3" kit as it is different with every rig, 97+ are more prone to vibs. If u have a 5 speed then u prob wont have any till u go higher the 3"

ericfx1984

unless you purchase/make some shock extensions...

TheJerm

Like using the rear swaybar axle mounts to replace the bar pin on the top side of the rear shock and weld new shock mounts to the the axle. Thats pretty easy and just takes some skill with a grinder/cutter and a welder.

Rockhead

Thanks for the input. I think that I probably have the skill, just not those tools. With the up country group you don't get the rear sway bar, but I could buy a pin eliminator kit. That would gain me one inch, add to that the factory off road shocks extra one inch (am I wrong in assuming that the up country shocks add one inch of travel??) and I'm at two inches. Darn, one inch to short, the story of my life.